Etna DOC Rosso Borrigliona 211 2021 Neri

What kind of wine is it?

Etna Rosso Borrigliona 211 from Neri is an intense and structured red wine made from Nerello Mascalese grapes and other native Sicilian white and red varieties. Produced on Mount Etna, it expresses a deep style, with a defined tannic texture that shapes its character. Traditional red winemaking and aging in French oak barriques work in synergy to create a balanced and complex profile. This clear oenological approach authentically reflects the volcanic territory’s identity and the winery’s meticulous choices.

Where does it come from?

This wine originates from Contrada Borrigliona, on the slopes of the volcano in Sicily. The vineyards are located at eight hundred meters above sea level on volcanic soils, a natural element that gives the wine a clear structure and a lingering taste progression. The typical Mediterranean mountain climate ensures a gradual ripening of the grape clusters and allows for a solid balance between aromatic intensity and tannic strength. The plots are home to vines over ninety years old, a true heritage that represents the most distinctive trait of the production area.

How is it produced?

After careful grape harvesting, the winery proceeds with red vinification. Alcoholic fermentation uses selected yeasts and takes place in open fermenters, with frequent manual punch-downs to promote contact with the skins. Maceration lasts from ten to fifteen days to ensure precise extraction of color and phenolic compounds. The process concludes with fourteen months of aging in second- and third-use French oak barriques, a technical choice designed to enhance complexity without masking the grapes’ varietal characteristics.

Tasting notes

In the glass, the wine displays an intense ruby red color. The nose opens with a complex and enveloping bouquet, led by clear aromas of sweet spices and enticing hints of Mediterranean shrubland, bearing witness to the influence of the environment and barrel aging. The palate entry is balanced, supported by well-integrated tannins that accompany a compact and satisfying sip. The long lingering finish underscores the red's structure and leaves a decisive, consistent impression in line with the nose.

Pairings

Thanks to its expressive strength, this red pairs effortlessly with first courses enriched with spices and is ideal alongside grilled red meats or oven-baked preparations. It is particularly successful with game and platters of aged cheeses with intense flavors. In local culinary traditions, it shines with pasta alla Norma, while its important tannic structure stands up wonderfully to rich recipes such as braised beef, thus balancing the dish’s robust flavors.

When to serve it

It is the perfect choice to enrich a table seeking a red wine of great character, capable of accompanying hearty dishes throughout the meal. It is perfect for convivial occasions centered on meat menus, as it brings elegance to the tasting experience. The use of grapes from old vines and the extended aging in wood also ensure significant aging potential, allowing full enjoyment even after several years of cellar rest. It is recommended to serve at a temperature suited to great reds to enhance its aromatic persistence.